This half term Y6 have been learning the rules and techniques of tag rugby. We have perfected the art of carrying the ball, how to twist and weave away from dangerous defenders, how to move effectively as a team and how to outwit our opponents. We are expecting to receive a call from England head coach, Eddie Jones at anytime 🙂

Today, Year 6 were taken blindfolded into the Peak District. Using the skills they learnt throughout our Island Survival topic, they had to make their way safely back to school using navigation and map reading skills. Along the way, there were a series of challenges: shelter building, the universal edibility test, signalling and helicopter landing site, cleaning water, camouflage, identifying where on the map they were and first aid.

All children returned safely back to school without any injuries! Children navigated and walked at least 5.5 miles across open countryside. They used their 6-figure grid reference skills and compasses bearings to plot out a route. They took turns to lead the group and used known landmarks to navigate.

“When we were doing one of the survival challenges, we were checking it was safe Mrs Rodgers had suddenly ‘fallen ill’ and we had to do first aid. Someone said there were only a few nettles. Mrs Rodgers burst out laughing!” Erin.

“It was such a good week because it was my first time going to the Peak District and it looks amazing!” Rehan.

“Oli became our tour guide on the way back to school.” Isobel.

“When we needed to camouflage ourselves, we smeared mud on our faces.” Elodie.

“I now know how to make sure food in safe.” Connie. “Contact, put it on your tongue for 15 minutes, then chew it for fifteen minutes and finally swallow.” Veanna. “You wait 8 hours before you see if there is any sign of illness.” Erin.

This week, we focused on one of the UK’s most celebrated and award winning artists, Elton John, and realised that he sound has changed from a rocky, upbeat sound to slower, heartfelt songs. All of them include the iconic piano sound!

In Y2 Blyton we have been learning all about Africa and what it is like. In one lesson we learnt about the different land uses. Have a look at our amazing maps to show the different land use in Africa.

Last week, we used a Playstation 4 game called ‘No Man’s Sky’ to help us experience what it would be like to fly through Space, explore undiscovered planets, and even fly at light speed! Thinking about all our senses, we described flying through an asteroid belt as well as our emotions for the build up to pressing the light speed button…

Along with this, we also explored the surface of Mars to realise that there are vast canyons across the planet. Year 5 looked at the missions that the Mars Rovers have done and how they drill and collect soil samples. To take our own samples, we erupted an ancient volcano multiple times, then decided where we should drill. Check out our soil sample!

Each week, Year 5 start their day by listening to a song by a certain artist and having a dance! The artist will change every week to help explore a range of music and eras. We have also started looking at the lyrics of a song during reading lessons to support our inference skills.

Here are the first few weeks of artists and songs we have listened to: